Second Sunday of Advent

Today the Church celebrates the First Sunday of Advent. The assigned readings are Isaiah 40:1-5, 9-11; 2 Peter 3:8-14; and Mark 1:1-8. The Responsorial Psalm is Psalm 85 (Psalm 85:9-14).

For one version of the Responsorial Psalm set to music, please visit:

YouTube: Responsorial Psalm - Psalm 85 Prayer for Divine Favor

The Gospel reading is as follows:

The beginning of the gospel of Jesus Christ the Son of God.

As it is written in Isaiah the prophet: "Behold, I am sending my messenger ahead of you; he will prepare your way. A voice of one crying out in the desert: 'Prepare the way of the Lord, make straight his paths.'" John the Baptist appeared in the desert proclaiming a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins. People of the whole Judean countryside and all the inhabitants of Jerusalem were going out to him and were being baptized by him in the Jordan River as they acknowledged their sins. John was clothed in camel’s hair, with a leather belt around his waist. He fed on locusts and wild honey. And this is what he proclaimed: "One mightier than I is coming after me. I am not worthy to stoop and loosen the thongs of his sandals. I have baptized you with water; he will baptize you with the Holy Spirit."

Reflections on these readings:

Oblates of St. Francis de Sales: Sundays Salesian: Second Sunday of Advent (December 7, 2014)

Oblates of St. Francis de Sales: Salesian Sunday Reflection: Second Sunday of Advent (December 30, 2014 )

Msgr. Charles Pope: The Fire Next Time – A Homily for the Second Sunday of Advent (6 DEC 14)

The Deacon's Bench: Homily for December 7, 2014: 2nd Sunday of Advent (6 DEC 14)

Dr. Marcellino D'Ambrosio: Someone is Coming to Town

The Sacred Page: "Prepare the Way of the Lord": Readings for the Second Sunday of Advent (4 DEC 14)

Word on Fire: The Victory of God (Cycle B * Advent * Week 2)

Dr. Scott Hahn: Straighten the Path (December 7th 2014 - Second Sunday in Advent)

CWR Blog: On the Second Sunday of Advent: "In my beginning is my end. ... In my end is my beginning" (6 DEC 14)

Spirituality of the Readings: A Long, Long Time (The 2nd Sunday of Advent B)

The Word Embodied: Wastelands of Discontent (The 2nd Sunday of Advent B)

Historical Cultural Context: Preparing the Way (The 2nd Sunday of Advent B)

Thoughts from the Early Church: Commentary by Origen (The 2nd Sunday of Advent B)

Word to Life Radio Broadcast: Second Sunday of Advent (5 DEC 14)